A Celebration of Life
Nathaniel Duane Carthen
Sunrise: 1961 | Sunset: April 13, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Nathaniel Duane Carthen, a beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, minister, and friend. On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Duane passed away at his home in Davie, Florida, at the age of 64, following a brief illness. His departure leaves a legacy of unwavering faith, boundless love, and quiet strength that will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who knew him.

Born in 1961 to the late Nathaniel Carthen and Gertrude (Carthen) Norwood. Duane was a lifelong Floridian. His spiritual journey of faith began in early youth, and in June of 1976, he symbolized his commitment to Jehovah by water baptism. As a dedicated member of the Davie West Congregation, he remained spiritually active—attending services faithfully, in person and later virtually, even amid declining health.

Duane was a graduate of Hialeah Miami Lakes Senior High School and furthered his education at Miami Dade College, where he pursued coursework in biology and dentistry, demonstrating his intellectual curiosity and desire to serve others in meaningful ways.

In June 1982, Duane united in marriage with Joanne Breedlove. Together they built a loving family and raised two sons, Jason N. Carthen and Terrence Monroe, who were the joy and pride of his life. His love for his family was a constant—a guiding light in all that he did.

A connoisseur of music, Duane was a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose skillset included the piano, drums, and flute. His deep appreciation for jazz was more than a pastime—it was a lifelong passion he joyfully shared with friends and family alike. Whether creating music or simply enjoying its rhythms, Duane found in it a profound source of expression and connection.

A supporter of the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat, Duane enjoyed game time surrounded by those he loved. But beyond sports and music, what defined Duane most was his compassion and desire to help others. He was a man of quiet strength whose instinct was always to uplift others.

He is survived by his beloved son, Jason N. Carthen, and step-son, Terrence Monroe, who held a special place in his heart, and his mother, Gertrude (Carthen) Norwood; his siblings, Michael Williams and Sonja (Campbell) Carthen; He is also survived by five adoring grandchildren—Tiffany, Tiara, Tyanna, Alexander, and Easton—as well as his dear aunts Verdell and Ann Lovett, uncle Art Lovett, and a vast extended family of cousins, spiritual brothers and sisters, and lifelong friends who mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
He is preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel Carthen’s passing in November 2003.

Duane now rests with the hope and divine promise found in Revelation 21:4, that “death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” This sacred assurance guided his life and ministry, and it is the comfort we hold close today.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 17th, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at 4601 SW 164th Terrace, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331, at 2:00PM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Funeral Home.